Praying By Hand, Praying With Beads by Thomas Ryan, CSP

An exposition of the "what," "why," and "how" of beaded prayer in the different traditions of Christian faith and in three of the world's other major religions to strengthen, enrich, or motivate one's present practice by engaging in a truly universal form of prayer.

By and large, the only reference most Christians of other denominations have for prayer with beads is Catholics and their rosaries. This devotional landscape is however now changing in remarkable ways. Various forms of prayer with beads are developing within Anglican, Lutheran, and Protestant contexts, in addition to the creation of an Ecumenical Miracle Rosary by a Lutheran pastor. And as our societal constituency becomes increasingly pluralistic religiously, it is of interest for members of all faiths to become aware that this is not just something members of their own religion do, but that it is truly a universal form of prayer. And when we become aware of a spiritual practice that has emerged throughout the human family in different cultural and faith contexts but which has little or no place in our own spiritual lives, we have to ask ourselves the question, "Am I missing something helpful here?"